Three Parallel Rivers Travel Guide

Brief Introduction
In the early 1980s, an expert from the UNESCO World Heritage Center found a unique phenomenon from a satellite remote sensing image: From east longitude 98 to 10030, north latitude 2530 to 29, an area with a diameter of less than 100 kilometers, three great rivers roar in parallel.

This unique spectacle of nature is known as the "Three Parallel Rivers." It covers a region from the southern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the core of the Hengduan Mountains in Yunnan Province, through which flow the Jinsha, Lancang and Nujiang rivers.

The "Three Parallel Rivers" cover an area of 34,000 square kilometers, including parts of the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture and the city of Lijiang in Yunnan.

Its unique geological appearance, hydrological environment, ecology, and great diversity of biology and regional cultures, began attracting international attention back in the 19th century.

The region is rare in terms of the variety of ethnic groups, languages, religions and customs, not only in China, but worldwide. On July 2,2003, the site was included on the World Heritage List at the 27th session of the UNESCO´s World Heritage Committee.

The protected area of the Three Parallel Rivers has great value in science, aesthetics and a unique culture of ethnic groups. It is a stirring attraction for scientists, explorers and visitors world wide.